The Eau Claire Area School District’s $4.1 million budget shortfall for next year continues to put the squeeze on local jobs. From the Leader-Telegram …

• Eau Claire school district Superintendent Ron Heilmann said Monday's school board meeting will include discussion about potential layoffs at the high school and elementary levels.
• The layoffs mentioned in a report on proposed budget options include up to 10 high school teachers and five custodial positions at elementary schools.
• Heilmann also said high school principals have considered the district's girls and boys basketball programs, and the prospect of reducing the number of teams from four to three will be discussed.

Fifteen jobs seems like small potatoes compared to recent layoffs at places like Hutchinson, but as soon as you add the “school” label, things take on a new meaning. I know the school district is working overtime on these issues. I got a chance to hear Superintendent Heilmann answer questions at a neighborhood association meeting a few weeks back and he seems like a good guy.

Attend tonight’s (3/16) board meeting at 7pm in Room 137 of the ECASD building (500 Main St.) to see what’s happening with all this.